Google chairman Eric Schmidt flew to North Korea aboard a Chinese passenger plane on Monday accompanying nine other Americans including former New Mexico governor Bill Richardson.

Schmidt and Richardson plan to meet North Korean officials and discuss the release of Kenneth Bae, an American citizen who has been detained there on charges of spying.

Google Chairman Eric Schmidt (center) arrives in Pyongyang on Monday. /AP-Newsis

Schmidt refused to comment on the purpose of the trip when approached by reporters at Beijing International Airport.